I believe that culture shapes identity and defines possibility; that it teaches us who we are, what to believe, and how to dream. We should all be able to look at the world around us and see a reflection of our true lived experiences. Until then, the American story will never be complete.
We've designed some prompts to help students, faculty, and all of the CU community to engage with the 2021 Buffs OneRead. These questions may be posed to an entire class, to small groups, to online communities, or as personal reflective prompts. The questions sampled here focus on reader experience and connection. For more discussion prompts and facilitation tips, or to join the conversation, please view our discussion guide or join the Buffs OneRead: Who is America Canvas Community Course.
How did you experience the book?
Did you recognize yourself or your experiences in the collection? How would you describe the sensation when you did or did not?
Which of the chapters immediately drew you in and why?
Who in the book would you most like to meet? What would you say or ask?
Was there a passage that struck you and stayed with you after you finished reading?
What was most surprising or intriguing to you? What aspects did you find difficult to understand?
Reflecting on the book, have your perspectives, views, or beliefs shifted? If so, how?
After reading the book, what do you find yourself curious about?
After reading the book do you feel compelled to take any action or a desire to impact any change?
These writing or creative expression prompts might be used for formal assignments or informal exercises. For more reflective and creative activity prompts, please see our Activity Guide or the join Buffs OneRead: Who is America Canvas Community Course.